The AIF Project

John Andrew AMESBURY

Regimental number2020
Place of birthBeltana, South Australia
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationTeamster
AddressLyndhurst Siding, South Australia
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation24
Next of kinMother, Mrs Mary Louise Amesbury, Lyndhurst Siding, South Australia
Enlistment date13 April 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name50th Battalion, 3rd Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/67/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Adelaide, South Australia, on board HMAT A48 Seang Bee on 13 July 1916
Rank from Nominal RollLance Corporal
Unit from Nominal Roll3rd Machine Gun Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Recommendation date: 19 July 1919

FateKilled in Action 25 May 1918
Age at death from cemetery records25
Place of burialLa Notte-Brebiare Communal Cemetery (On West Side), France
Panel number, Roll of Honour,
  Australian War Memorial
176
Miscellaneous information from
  cemetery records
Parents: John and Mary AMESBURY, Beltana, South Australia
Medals

Military Medal

'On the night 2nd/3rd July, 1917, in the trenches east of MESSINES, the Company to which this man belongs was engaged in a minor operation against an enemy strong point, and two of his comrades were wounded. When the assaulting party withdrew, Privates AMESBURY and REES remained behind and drew the wounded men into a shell hole about 30 yards from the enemy strong point. Private REES set out for some stretchers, and Private AMESBURY immediately attended the wounded men. As the enemy were approaching Private AMESBURY kept up a rapid rifle fire on the advancing troops, and against the enemy strong point, although during the whole period he was subjected to heavy fire both from machine guns and bombs; but was able by his great effort to keep off the enemy, and this prevented them from capturing his comrades. In this action he displayed great coolness and bravery as he was opposed to much superior forces. A total of two Officers and forty men were engaged in this enterprise.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 219
Date: 20 December 1917

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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